Directed Studies Opportunity - Global Resource Systems

Potential objectives for Soldier Fly related Self directed study semester:

Talk to SEEDs about your commitment to a Soldier Fly (SF) focused “self directed study semester”They maybe able to help with funding. The contact name of a person that has been briefed on the objectives of RECOURSE.
Compile and read all available literature regarding the SF; and submit a copy of this compendium as directed by your academic supervisors;
With due consideration for, and in constant consultation with, the UBC farm program; ie. director Mark Bomford and his assistants– establish and maintain an SF culture.
Identify the potential “distractions” for the adult female SF, and monitor for miss directed egg laying.
Establish occupational health safety protocol for maintaining all components of SF cultures – especially with regard to the handling leachate and its collection jars.
Provide samples of all SF instars, as required, in order to establish a reference collection for subsequent projects
Track and record replicable, statistically relevant analysis of feed stock conversion as evidenced by crawled off mass and chart related to environmental considerations such as temperature / humidity ( in and outside the SF culture),
Systematically track and record meteorologic conditions such as overcast or sunny, and time of sunrise / sun set. These considerations factor into the likelihood that the mature SF will reproduce.
Monitor reproduction of mature SF by counting -perhaps by weight- the crawl off, and through routine observation of the egg collection discs;
Establish protocol for the storage of SF eggs;
Track and record residue as a percentage of the total offered feedstock minus the crawl off;

Establish protocol for and take replicable samples of culture residues;

Identify potential donors of required feed stock and arrange for the scheduled collection, statistical documentation of and transportation of the same to the SF culture.
Perform other tasks or meet additional requirements as identified and described by your academic advisers.

Additionally, you may be asked to prepare an age appropriate presentation for the day camp students who attend the UBC farm during the summer. If required, and at the discretion of your academic supervisors, you may be asked to present a summary of your project to additional groups; such as, but not necessarily limited to, the residents of the South Campus development, and the University Neighborhood Association.